When I come to worship at Briarwood, what can I expect?

Our congregation meets in an intimate sanctuary, with the baptismal font in the centre and communion table at the front.

Please feel free to sit wherever you like!

Worship at 10:45 a.m. is fairly traditional. We sing hymns and some of the prayers, to ancient and modern music.

The service is usually about an hour long with an emphasis on hearing and responding to God’s word.

People from various church backgrounds worship here, and everyone is invited to coffee between services.

Finally, when you come to worship, you can expect to experience Christ in this community.

I have a two-year old and a new born. Is there a good nursery? Can I keep my kids with me instead?

We have a nursery space at all worship services, as well as faith programs for K-11 at the morning services. An usher or greeter will be happy to direct you to the Nursery.

If you prefer, you are more than welcome to keep your children with you during worship.

Are there other programs for children and youth?

Yes, in fact Briarwood has discerned a call to invest in Children and Youth intensely in the last 5 years, and we have created the position of Children and Youth Director (CYD).

In addition to spiritual friendship and mentoring, with the support of volunteers, our CYD coordinates Sunday Children’s Faith during worship and runs programs such as Vacation Bible Camp and March Break Camp. Our CYD is currently on maternity leave, but normally leads a Youth Group (grades 5-9+) meeting twice monthly on Sunday evenings 4:30-6pm.

How do I or my children receive the Sacrament of Baptism?

Baptism is the sacrament signifying God’s love and embrace by God’s Spirit and that one has become part of the Body of Christ, known as the Church.

Adults are baptized when they confess their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior and express their intention to follow him.

Although baptisms always take place in particular congregations, the Presbyterian Church recognizes all baptisms performed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

To find out more about baptism, we encourage you to talk to the minister or an elder. Once a parent is baptized, they are encouraged to present their children for baptism at any age.

In the Presbyterian Church in Canada, baptized grandparents can present their grandchildren for baptism if they make public their intention for the child to be part of the life of that congregation.

Communion? When is it celebrated? Is it okay if I take part?

Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is currently celebrated 6x a year. All of those who have been baptized in this or any other church are welcome to participate.

Communion is served in the pews using trays containing individual cups.

The Lord’s Supper is always a time of gracious acceptance – you don’t need to worry about “doing it wrong.”

What makes the Presbyterian Church different from other churches?

Dating back to the European Reformations of the early 1500s, the Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest denominations in Canada. We are distinctive in that all leaders are elected by the people they serve, and all decisions are made by elders and clergy working together.

We believe that both women and men are called to all ministries of the church. Theologically, the Presbyterian Church is known for placing great importance on God’s overarching love and care for the world, and being saved, made whole, by God’s gift of grace in Jesus.

Historically, Presbyterians have tended to emphasize education, mission, and a personal vocation of service in the world.

I’ve been attending Briarwood for several weeks now, and I think I might like to become a member. What should I do next?

All you need to do is mention this wish for membership to one of the elders or minister, or call the church office, 514-695-1879.

The next step will be an orientation class with the minister and other new members. You will then be received as a member of this part of Christ’s Church by baptism, re-affirmation of faith or letter of transfer.